Eric Smith
Literary agent (Neighborhood Literary) and YA author; shares agenting updates, resources, and supportive advice for writers.
Books Can Pay Off Years After Release
Got a surprise royalty statement today that revealed You Can Go Your Own Way earned out after five years. It’s my favorite of my books, released in 2021. No events, no anything. But, books can have a long life. Thank you for picking it up over the years. ❤️ https://www.harpercollins.com/products/you-can-go-your-own-way-eric-smith?variant=39307418697762
Even CEOs Can't Convince Kids to Stop Cheese
I can negotiate publishing contracts with mega corporations but trying to convince my child he really shouldn’t go to sleep with that bag of shredded cheese he’s slowly eating by the handful? Can’t be done.
Publishers, Stop Ignoring and Read Chloe Maron's Book
(glares at all of publishing) one of you needs to pick up @bychloemaron’s book already.
Spicy Sci‑Fi Romance? Call It “Science Friction”
Still thinking about how someone at a writing conference last weekend said that spicy sci-fi romance should be pitched as “science friction.” I love it.
Verify Publishing Advice Sources Before Trusting Them
Annual reminder that when you’re getting publishing industry advice, to please double check the source? Do they actually work in the business? Have books out and about? Just… a little Googling, friends. Please. It’ll save you so much grief on...
Thrilled to Co‑author Cindy Pon’s Upcoming SHEEN (Viking 2028)
Oh my heart, I’m so thrilled about this news. I’ve been a @cindyponauthor fan for ages, and getting to work on her books now? A wild honor. SHEEN by Cindy Pon. Viking 2028. ❤️
Accidental iPhone Do Not Disturb Feels Like Black Mirror
Just wasted so much time trying to figure out how to turn off the “do not disturb” focus function on my iPhone that I activated by accident, what a fun mini episode of Black Mirror this was.
Read Your Query, Talk Naturally, Not Audition
Off to a workshop tomorrow, so my annual reminder. If you’re pitching agents or editors at an in-person event, just read your query. Don’t stress about memorizing things. It’s not an audition, it’s just a conversation. ❤️
Seeking Cookbooks Rich in History and Storytelling
Doing a little research for a new project… friends, what are some of your favorite cookbooks that are heavy on the history and storytelling? IE: The Mosquito Supper Club or California Soul.
Pause Before You Fire: Opportunity Disguised as Scam
It finally happened. I almost sent a wildly mean reply to a publishing scammer, only to discover it was a real, major opportunity before hitting send. 😬
Will Answer Queries Once Baby Sleeps Through Night
I do appreciate folks nudging to see when I’ll open to queries again. The answer is “when the new baby sleeps through the night.” I largely read at night, and I gotta be present. Send good vibes that happens soon though cause...
Scammers Pose as Kickstarter on Publishing Platforms—Stay Vigilant
Now publishing scammers are posing as people at Kickstarter? What is next. It came from an obvious fake Gmail address. Writer friends, please be careful.
Dad in 40s Discovers Birding with Smart Camera Birdhouse
A smart birdhouse with a camera inside arrived today, because as a Dad in my 40’s, birding has come for me.
Stay Focused, Support Each Other Amid Publishing Challenges
Been a rough week in publishing (it’s Tuesday, Lemon), and I’m reminding myself of the advice I try to give everyone else. Focus on what you can control. I’m doing my best to check in with colleagues, see what support I...
Five Years of Writing, Now My Book Becomes a Sub
Alright, looks like my adult upmarket novel is going out on sub. Or since it’s a very Philadelphia book, going out on hoagie. “Eric you made a sub and hoagie joke a week after the discourse, we have to drop you.”...